Owen out for season

05 March 2010 02:26

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Any faint hopes Michael Owen had of going to the World Cup finals look to be over, after a hamstring strain ruled the Manchester United forward out of the rest of the season. Owen suffered the injury during United’s Carling Cup final win over Aston Villa, in which he scored the equalising goal but had to be replaced before the half-time interval. "I have loved every minute of my first campaign with Manchester United and have already enjoyed some memorable moments," he said. "I am determined to come back at the start of next season in peak condition." Owen has not played for England since March 2008, when he was part of the side beaten 1-0 in a friendly by France. He has not even been named in a squad since, and has said he does not expect to add to his 89 caps and 40 goals for his country. There was better news for one of United's England internationals on Thursday, however, with midfielder Owen Hargreaves poised to feature for the club's reserves. Hargreaves, 29, has been on the sidelines since September 2008 with a knee problem. The former Bayern Munich player is training with the first-team and is now ready for a return to match action, albeit at reserve level.